2016 Kia Rio Sedan Goes On Sale In First Quarter

The 2016 Kia Rio Sedan with new front and rear fascias comes in LX, EX, SX  trim levels and is powered by a 138 horsepower 1.6-liter normally aspirated inline-four cylinder engine mate to a six-speed manual transmission on the sedan and a six-speed automatic on the 5-Door.  The six-speed manual is no longer offered in the Rio 5-Door.  Both Sedan and 5-Door are expected to go on sale in the first quarter.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Starts At $21,395 In April

The all-new Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, scheduled to hit dealer showrooms in April, comes with either a 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission or a 150 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.8T S model with manual transmission starts at $21,395 and the TDI® Clean Diesel model starts at $24,595, a reduction of almost $2,000 over the previous base TDI model price. The 1.8T model with manual transmission has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg, while the TDI Clean Diesel model gets 43 highway mpg according to EPA estimates. Available only with the six-speed automatic transmission, the SE starts at $26,995 and the TSI SE, the top gasoline-powered SportWagen trim starts at $29,345. Golf SportWagen TDI SE starts at $27,995, and the Golf SportWagen TDI SEL starts at $30,345,

2016 Honda Pilot SUV Coming This Summer

The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV, reengineered and redesigned with a new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ cylinder deactivation technology and available Idle Stop technology that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed automatic transmission, or on upper trims, a 9-speed automatic transmission. Pilot will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations and will feature a completely new Honda all-wheel-drive system. The all-new 2016 Pilot, launching at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer, is the third generation of Honda's three-row midsize SUV.

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Coming This Fall

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox with seating for five and all-wheel drive offered on LS, LT and LTZ models gets new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, as well as a larger color touchscreen radio and a standard rear-vision camera for entry-level models and goes on sale this Fall. The standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected engine delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway (FWD models). A 301 horsepower direct-injected 3.6L V-6 is available with LT and LTZ models with a trailering capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Coming In June

The new 2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe with a 600 horsepower 4.4 liter Bi-Turbo V-8 engine mated to the ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC 8-Speed Sport Automatic transmission is capable of a 0 – 60 mph acceleration time of 3.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 mph. The new BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will become available to order starting in March with US deliveries slated to begin at BMW Centers in June. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2016 Nissan Maxima In Super Bowl Ad To Debut In April

Next-generation 2016 Nissan Maxima sports sedan that made a cameo appearance at the end of the  "With Dad" Super Bowl XLIX commercial will make its official world debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Maxima adds the V-motion front end and "floating" roof introduced on the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover. The Maxima has come along way from my boxy 1986 Maxima that served me well for many years.

All-New Ford Focus RS Coming From Germany Later This Year

The all-new third generation high-performance Ford Focus RS will have an all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control based on twin electronically controlled clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit and powered by a new all-aluminum 315-plus horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine mated to a six speed manual transmission. Increased output is generated by a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor that delivers significantly greater airflow, along with a much bigger intercooler to maximize charge density. The all-new Focus RS will be sold around the world, including the United States, and produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant beginning late this year.

Porsche Cayman GT4 Arrives In July For $85,595

The Porsche Cayman GT4, based on the Cayman with components of the 911 GT3, is powered by a 385 horsepower 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a zero to 60 mph acceleration of 4.2 seconds and a top track speed of 183 mph. Available options include the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, full bucket seats made of carbon fiber composite, and a custom Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app. The Porsche Cayman GT4 celebrates its world premiere in early March at the Geneva International Auto Show and will arrive at U.S. dealers in July. The starting MSRP for the Cayman GT4 is $85,595 (including destination charge of $995).

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets Bigger Engine

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 5-passenger crossover gets 20 more horsepower than the current 2.0 liter engine with a 168 horsepower 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder powerplant available in the 2.4 ES starting at $21,295 and 2.4 GT starting at $23,595.

January 2015 U.S. Auto Sales

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 202,786 vehicles last month, up 18 percent compared to a year ago, for the best January sales in seven years. Retail sales were up 14 percent and fleet deliveries were up 32 percent.

Ford Motor Company posted sales of 178,351 vehicles, a 15 percent sales increase in the U.S. in January, with retail sales of 128,666 vehicles, a 13 percent increase, providing the best retail January results since 2004. Retail passenger car sales were up 6 percent, utilities saw a 10 percent increase, and trucks gained 23 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. reported January 2015 sales of 169,194, an increase of 15.6 percent from January 2014 on a volume basis. Toyota division posted January 2015 sales of 146,063 units, up 13.5 percent. Lexus reported January 2015 sales of 23,131 units, a 31.2 percent increase.

FCA US (Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram) reported U.S. sales of 145,007, a 14 percent increase compared with sales in January 2014 for the group’s best January sales since 2007.

Nissan Group announced total U.S. sales for January 2015 of 104,107, up 15.1 percent year-over-year and a January record. Nissan Division also set a January record with 94,449 sales, an increase of 15.9 percent. Infiniti reported sales of 9,658 vehicles in the U.S. during January, up 7.3 percent from a year ago.

American Honda reported a new January record on Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 102,184, an increase of 11.5 percent versus January 2014. The Honda brand set a January record of 90,202 vehicles, up 11.6 percent for the month. Acura posted sales of 11,982 in January, increasing 10.7 percent over the same period last year.

Hyundai Motor America reported its best January in company history, selling 44,505 for the month, up one percent versus the same period last year. This is the seventh consecutive year of increased sales during the month of January.

Kia Motors America’s  record-setting momentum carried into 2015 with best-ever January sales of 38,299 vehicles, up 3.5 percent over the same period last year.

Subaru of America reported 40,812 vehicle sales for January 2015, a 24 percent increase over January 2014. These results continue the company’s sales momentum from 2014 where Subaru achieved six consecutive years of record sales and exceeded 500,000 annual sales – a first in company history.

Volkswagen of America reported sales of 23,504 units delivered in January 2015. Separately, Audi reported that its January 2015 sales increased 14.3 percent to 11,541 vehicles, a total that stands as the 49th consecutive month of record U.S. sales for the premium brand.

Mercedes-Benz reported a record January sales volume of 24,619, increasing 8.9 percent from January 2014. Adding 1,505 units for Sprinter Vans and 492 units at smart, MBUSA achieved its highest January to date with a grand total of 26,616 vehicles, up 9 percent from a year ago.

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 22,209 vehicles, an increase of 6.8 percent from the 20,796 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 4.0 percent in January for a total of 18,981 compared to January 2014. MINI USA reports 3,228 automobiles sold, an increase of 26.9 percent from the same month a year ago.

Mazda North American Operations reported January U.S. sales of 20,271 vehicles, representing an increase of 7.7 percent versus last year.

Jaguar Land Rover North America January U.S. sales for both brands hit 6,547, a 9 percent increase from January 2014. Land Rover January U.S. sales reached 5,281, up 13 percent from January 2014. Jaguar sales were 1,266, down 6 percent from January 2014.

Mitsubishi Motors North America had January 2015 vehicle sales of 6,493, a 33.4 percent sales increase from January 2014.

Porsche Cars North America announced January 2015 sales of 3,937 vehicles. PCNA kicked off the year successfully with record January sales, up 27.2 percent over January 2014.

Volvo Cars of North America reported U.S. sales of 3,794, a 0.1 percent increase versus January 2014.

Sales will be updated as manufacturers report.

2016 Fiat 500X Ad - Best Super Bowl Commercial

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X crossover 60-second “The FIAT 500X Blue Pill” commercial was the best commercial during the Super Bowl. FCA also had “Wisdom” that commemorates Dodge’s first 100 years.

Toyota Camry and Lexus NX Super Bowl Commercials

The Lexus NX Turbo and hybrid compact SUVs are featured in a 30 second commercial called “Make Some Noise”.

Toyota will have two ads during the big game with the spot entitled “How Great I Am” slated to appear in the first quarter of the Super Bowl broadcast featuring new 2015 Toyota Camry with Team Toyota athlete, Paralympic medalist and Dancing with the Stars finalist Amy Purdy along with Muhammad Ali's speech made before his historic “Rumble in the Jungle” bout with George Foreman in 1974. It's part of the “One Bold Choice Leads to Another” campaign for the new 2015 Toyota Camry.

2016 Kia Sorento Featured In James Bond Style Super Bowl Ad

The 2016 Kia Sorento, redesigned and bigger with 290 horsepower and all-wheel drive, has former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan driving in “The Perfect Getaway Vehicle” commercial airing on NBC during Sunday's Super Bowl.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S Super Bowl Commercial

The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, the all-new high performance sports car is in the 60 second Super Bowl "Fable" commercial  featuring a hare, a tortoise and 503 horses. The new Mercedes-AMG GT S starts at an MSRP of $130,825 (including $925 destination charge) with Nappa Leather, Keyless-GO, COMAND, Collision Prevention Assist PLUS, Parktronic, 8 Airbags, 19" Front / 20" Rear wheels, AMG Adaptive Suspension, LED Headlamps, Power heated/memory AMG Performance Seats, Rearview Camera, Red Brake Calipers, AMG 3-Stage ESP, and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The GT S hits the U.S. market in April with the base GT variant going on sale in the U.S. in Spring 2016 with 456 horsepower engine.

BMW i3 Commercial To Air In Super Bowl First Quarter

After a 4-year hiatus, BMW will be returning to the Super Bowl with a first quarter 60-second spot for the all-electric BMW i3 called “Newfangled Idea,” featuring Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel flashing back to NBC's 1994 Today Show focusing on the  initial confusion surrounding “what is the internet?”. The BMW i3 spot marks the first time both Katie and Bryant have participated in national brand advertisement. The BMW i3 has a starting MSRP of $43,350 (Including $950 Destination and Handling), and the range-extender model has a starting MSRP of $47,200.

Mercedes-Maybach S600 Starts At $190,275 In April

The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 powered by a 523 horsepower V12 bi-turbo engine producing maximum torque of 612 lb-ft will launch in April priced from USD $190,275 (including MY2015 $925 destination/delivery charge). Standard equipment includes a Driver Assistance Package (Intelligent Drive), MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist PLUS, a Warmth and Comfort Package with a heated windshield, Head-Up Display, LED Intelligent Lighting System, Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System, Executive Rear Seat Package, Rear Seat Entertainment System and the Air Balance Package.

2016 Volvo S60 Inscription Coming This Summer

The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription, with the T5 engine in both front-wheel drive and All-Wheel Drive, offers Premier and Platinum trim levels with 3.4 inches additional rear seat legroom, linear walnut trim, silk metal detailing and 19” wheels. The S60 Inscription will go on sale in the U.S. this Summer.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Coming This Summer

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with a downsized 154 horsepower 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that houses a more powerful 38 kW electric motor is expected to achieve up to 39 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA rating of 42 mpg, which is more than a 10 percent improvement from the 2015 model. The lithium-polymer battery pack capacity is 1.62 kWh, a 13 percent improvement, and the battery pack now fits under the trunk floor. It's possible for Sonata Hybrid to operate solely on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph by decoupling the gasoline engine from the rest of the drivetrain. Sonata Hybrid will be built at Hyundai’s Asan, South Korea assembly plant and will go on sale early this Summer.

2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop $31,450 This Spring

The new 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop the latest high performance addition to the MINI line up will be priced at $31,450 (including $850 Destination & Handling) and will go on sale in the Spring.

Maserati Alfieri 2+2 Concept Coming Next Year

The Maserati Alfieri 2+2 concept has toured the globe and now Maserati has confirmed that the Alfieri coupe will be introduced in 2016, with an Alfieri convertible to follow thereafter.